2014 Kawasaki Z1000

Kawasaki has taken the wraps off its fresh faced Z1000 streetfighter for the 2014 model year at the internationally renowned EICMA motorcycle show in Milan, Italy. In addition to the futuristic styling the big Zed gets engine and chassis updates and anti-lock brakes.

 
The Z1000 retains its punchy and grin-inducing 1043c.c water-cooled Inline Four engine with a few efficiency tweaks. Passageways were created between the cylinders to help reduce engine pumping losses from the crankshaft along with a newly designed intake camshaft designed for a bottom-end power boost. The airbox was also modified in order to increase the Z1000’s already intoxicating air induction howl. Other drivetrain improvements include shorter final drive gearing (faster acceleration performance) and a taller sixth gear for improved fuel efficiency and a smoother ride at freeway speeds. 



The motor is hung inside an aluminum frame that wraps over the engine’s cylinder head which makes it feel narrower when seated at the controls. The frame attaches to a new subframe that was fitted to accommodate the sharper-looking tail section.
 
A larger diameter aluminum handlebar was also installed along with a new textured seat cover featuring a Z-themed logo design. The capacity of the fuel tank was also increased by a 0.5-gallon to 4.5. Correspondingly curb weight has increased by six pounds to 487. 

Front suspension now consists of Showa’s BP-SFF fork. The BP anonym stands for the Big-Piston damping cartridge inside of the right fork leg which controls the compression and rebound damping circuits. While each fork leg contains a coil spring the left leg offers spring preload adjustment allowing the rider to tailor the ride height of the front suspension. The SFF designation implies that the preload and damping adjustment are isolated between each fork leg. Suspension travel remains unaltered at 4.7 in. Out back the Z1000 retains its ZX-10R style horizontally-mounted hydraulic shock absorber with rebound and spring preload adjustment. 

A similar set of one-piece monobloc-style calipers from Nissin as used on the 2013 ZX-6R were fitted. The calipers pinch down on a pair of petal-style 310mm cross-drilled rotors. The rear brake is comprised of a 250mm petal rotor that’s clamped by a single-piston caliper. The brakes are actuated independently but now offer ABS. 

Other aesthetic improvements include new digital instrumentation, six-spoke aluminum rims, and brushed-finished metal on the twin mufflers. The ’14 Z1000 will cost $11,999—a $1500 dollar increase compared to what it was priced at four years ago



2014 Kawasaki Z1000 Specs

Engine: 1043cc liquid-cooled Inline-Four; 16-valves 
Bore x Stroke: 77.2 x 50.9mm 
Compression Ratio: 11.8:1 
Fuel Delivery: Fuel-injection 
Clutch: Wet multi-plate, cable actuation 
Transmission: Six-speed, chain final drive
Frame: Aluminum 
Front Suspension: Showa BP-SFF inverted fork, three-way adjustable for spring preload, compression and rebound damping; 4.7 in. travel 
Rear Suspension: Hydraulic shock absorber, two-way adjustable for spring preload and rebound damping; 5.4 in. travel 
Front Brakes: 310mm petal-style rotors with radial-mount 4-piston calipers 
Rear Brake: 250mm petal-type disc with single-piston caliper 
Wheels: Six-spoke cast aluminum 3.5 x 17-inch front and 5.0 x 17-inch rear 
Curb Weight: 487 lbs. 
Wheelbase: 56.7 in. 
Length: 82.5 in. 
Rake: 24.5 deg. Trail: 4.1 in. 
Seat Height: 32.1 in. 
Fuel Capacity: 4.5 gal. 
MSRP: $11,999 
Colors: Golden Blazed Green / Metallic Graphite Gray
Warranty: One year, unlimited mileage



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